Aspirin, penicillins, antibiotics that contain sulfa, and many other drugs

Morbilliform or maculopapular rash

A flat, red rash which may include pimples similar to the measles

Antibiotics that contain sulfa, ampicillin, analgesics, and barbiturates are the more common causative drugs; however, any drug can cause this rash

Purpuric eruptions

Purple areas on the skin, often on the legs

Some anticoagulants and diuretics

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Blisters or a hive-like rash on the lining of the mouth, vagina, or penis

Antibiotics that contain sulfa, NSAIDs, barbiturates, penicillins, and other antibiotics

How are drug rashes diagnosed?

Diagnosing a rash caused by a reaction to medication is complicated. Even a small amount of a drug can cause a major reaction in the skin. In addition, the reaction can occur after the patient has taken a medication for a long period of time.

Your child's doctor will usually advise you to have your child stop taking any medication that is not necessary to sustain life, to see if the reaction stops. Other medications may be substituted, if possible.

Treatment for drug rashes

Specific treatment for drug rashes will be determined by your child's doctor based on:

The condition usually clears up if the patient stops taking the medication that is causing the reaction. Other treatment may include:

Corticosteroids

Antihistamines

Epinephrine for anaphylaxis

Allergic reactions can be serious and even fatal. If your child has acute symptoms in addition to the rash, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat or chest, fainting, nausea, vomiting, or other serious symptoms, you should call your child's doctor immediately or call 911.